Artists
BEST OF THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY
CHLOE ABBOTT
Grew up in New Hampshire training at New Hampshire School of Ballet. She trained in all styles of dance and competed across the United States. At 18 years old she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer, and earned her BFA in Commercial Dance and Acting. Chloe has since grown a following on TikTok and Instagram by sharing her passion and inspiring others to dance by going viral. This has led her to many professional opportunities. Her most recent credits are performing for COBRAH, becoming a Fit2Flaunt instructor, signing with Go2Talent Agency, and a national commercial. She has had the opportunity to train professionally under Kolanie Marks, Antoine Troupe, JoJo Gomez, Brian and Scott Nicholson and many more. With her versatile dance background, she offers a passionate blend of performance and technique to her teaching.
HECTOR INVICTUS LOPEZ
Hector Lopez, a native Bronxite, graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Theater Studies in 2012. It was there that he began dancing, pursuing it as his career shortly after his graduation. Since then Hector has worked as a professional dancer under the choreographic direction of Yanis Marshall, Kyle Hanagami, Ashle Dawson, Luam Keflezgy, Ramon Baynes, and Yvonne Marie-Sain . His credits to date include artists such as Halsey, Prince Royce, Pabllo Vittar, and Todrick Hall as well as industrial work with Samsung, Adidas, and Moncler. With the guidance of his mentors Hector has been able to transition into teaching. Over the past three years Hector has established himself as an educator in Street Jazz, Jazz Funk, and more specifically Heels Technique.
ALI PHILLIPS
Ali Phillips is an established and experienced Dance Business Coach who began her entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 17. A passionate dancer at heart, Ali founded BAMDance - an inclusive dance organization running classes for people with disabilities which now operates in Brisbane Australia & Toronto Canada. Now 30 years of age, Ali has spent the past 13 years turning her passion into profit, fearlessly implementing innovative ideas, and coaching others to also, live their dreams.
MONIQUE MANZO
Monique Manzo, a Reno, Nevada local, began her dancing career over 20 years ago. Raised in many major cities across the U.S., she pursued her passion for dance by training at studios in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Las Vegas, gaining a well-rounded talent and confidence. In 2017, Monique founded The Reno Empire in her hometown, creating a community of passionate dancers. Known for her sassy and feminine style, she directs two performance teams: Bachata and Heels. Her choreography includes Hip-Hop, Jazz, Latin, and Burlesque. However, Bachata holds a special place in her heart. “The first time I heard a Bachata Remix - I fell in love,” says Monique. From soft and sweet to hard-hitting and sexy, Monique tells stories through dance, emphasizing emotion and musicality. She believes in nurturing her students' strengths, helping them become confident and empowered dancers.
MICHELLE SAGHBINI
Having practiced dance since a young age, Michelle got the bug to teach her passion almost 10 years ago. She teaches hip hop, jazz funk and more recently heels. Her greatest interest in this art is performance. Indeed, she has performed in several musical pieces such as Grease, Footloose and High School Musical in local events, in several showcases of regional competitions such as Reprezent, iDance and Hit the Floor and in festivals such as île Soniq and the cultural feast of Brossard. With this experience, she aspires dancers to find their own colors through dance as she continues to do every year.
FIERCE MTL
The all-female Dance Company was founded by none other than Marie-Ève, a young entrepreneur originally from Quebec. With training in classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop, Marie-Ève has been able to participate in various competitions nationally and internationally. At just 18 years old, she discovered Latin Dance, and has not stopped since. She founded FierceMTL, a dance company with a unique concept, promoting versatility and the fusion of styles. We cannot wait to watch the beautiful and confident women from FierceMTL tear it up on our stage at this year’s festival!
MARLENE SK
Marlene Sk is more than a dancer, teacher, and choreographer, she embodies dance. Hailing from Benin, her journey led her from West Africa to France in 2000, and then to Canada in 2004. Dance has been her guiding force, connecting her to her roots and mastering various styles. In Canada, her passion flourished, embracing street dance to Latin rhythms. She has collaborated on music videos with artists like Zaho ft Sean Paul, Young Paris, Konshens, and Aiza, and starred in musicals such as In the Heights, The Chorus Line, and RENT. As a member of UMOJA, she promotes African culture through dance. Marlene's diverse experiences sparked a passion for acting, deepening her expression and connecting with audiences. For her, dance transcends movement—it's a language of connection, cultural exchange, and storytelling. Dance is her life's symphony, composed of passion, dedication, and relentless artistic pursuit.
RACHEL ROMANOSKI
Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Rachel Romanoski is a multifaceted Canadian artist proficient in acting, singing, dancing, choreography, and modeling. With a B.A in Performance Arts, she has showcased her talents across Ontario cities such as Hamilton, Toronto, Niagara, and Mississauga, as well as a guest artist for the 2nd Edition of the Montreal Heels Festival. Trained since age five, Rachel's expertise spans dance forms like Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, and more. Not only has she led Performing Art Seminars and global workshops, but she's also competed internationally, notably at World Of Dance. She's worked with artists like Reet Roy, Kaela Faloon, and Lauren Lyn, including international stars Nessa Preppy and Cocanina. Rachel passionately nurtures her students to foster confidence and self-expression. Dedicated to inspiring others, she eagerly shares her knowledge and zeal with those on similar artistic journeys.
NANCY MARTEL
Former figure skating champion, At the age of 28, she redirected her sporting career towards dance; Heels, advertising, Burlesque, Hip hop, she specializes as artistic director of drag queen shows where she has the chance to perform on several stages from Canada to the United States. She has performed and directed shows such as Quebec, Montreal and Chicago Pride, the influencer gala, Dance World Cup Canada Showcase as well as several music videos. She has been perfecting heels for over 8 years now from L.A to Montreal, she has followed training with; Jessica Castro, Cisco, Marissa Hart, Jessica Cummings, Kaela Faloon, Kiana Smith, Brinn Nicole and many more. His style is extravagant which highlights performance and self-confidence
LAUREN KEATING OF UNDERDOG
The Underdog Dance Corp. is Waterloo's first beginner-focused adult dance studio for those who "never thought they would"! If you have two left feet - we want you! We are here to meet you where you're at and help you discover a love for dance and movement. We are often described as Waterloo's most inclusive, encouraging, and friendly space, as well as a "second home" for many of our students. Our studio values are safety, inclusivity, and respect. Lauren Keating (Underdog) Born and raised in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region, Lauren leads the Heels and Chair Dancing programs at the Underdog Dance Corp. Lauren’s passion for Heels and Chair Dancing sparked in university when she took her first Heels class, “It was my first time experiencing an environment where I wasn’t only permitted to embrace my sexier side, but was encouraged to embrace my femininity as a source of strength, creativity and power. Ever since, I’ve been addicted to creating this same atmosphere for dancers of all experience levels.”
HEYMER ALVARADO
began his dance career in Venezuela at the age of sixteen, specializing in Cuban styles at Rumbero Academy. He then studied at the Musa School in the styles of jazz, hip hop, commercial dance and contemporary. Five years later Heymer moved to Toronto Canada where he began dancing with Cadence Dance Academy on their professional team. With Cadence, Heymer taught and performed around the world in various styles including bachata, salsa, and dancehall. Heymer continued to expand his repertoire in Toronto, training and performing in mambo with Araguacu Latin Dance Company, and in hip hop with the Vibe Exclusive. He has had the opportunity to perform with world-renowned artists, including Ozuna, Ryan Castro, J quiles, Mario Ruiz, Gloria Trevi, and a few others local artist. Film industry also has been part of his journey, being involved with movies such the slumberland with Jason Mamoa, tv shows such as The next step, Ru Paul’s drag race Canada and others. In 2018 at the age of 23, Heymer formed AmaMia Dance Company.
MARILYNE TANIA CAMILLE (MAFA STUDIO)
Originally from Montreal, Marilyne has taken courses, training and dance and intensive programs in Montreal, Los Angeles and New York. Marilyne completed a bachelor's degree in kinesiology at UQAM in 2018. She worked for 5 years at the National Circus School as a dance coach and physical trainer with young athletes. Marilyne participated in the Quebec adaptation of America's best dance crew, Dance to Win (2018) with Womanity. She also participated in the second season of the Revolution (2019) show with Muse.
MEGAN AHNEEMAH (BEYOND HEELS)
Megan Ahneemah Gemieux is the founder of "Beyond Heels," an innovative dance therapy company created in 2022, dedicated to the empowerment and growth of women. Of Martinique origin, Megan discovered her passion for dance at a young age, using movement as a means of liberation and self-expression. With her boldness and contagious energy, Megan guides women to discover their feminine power, regain self-confidence, and shine in their lives. Graduated in psychology (specializing in victimology) and elementary education from the University of Montreal, Megan skillfully integrates her academic and pedagogical knowledge into her dance classes, offering a unique therapeutic experience. Her classes not only teach movements but also encourage laughter, the expression of sensuality and the celebration of femininity through heels. Dance has been her key to feeling good in her skin and in harmony with her body.
KSENIA KONDRATOVA SCHOOL OF MODERN DANCE
Ksenia is a talented choreographer and dance teacher with over a decade of experience in the field. She studied in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where she developed a deep passion for dance. For the past six years, she has been sharing her expertise at the School of Modern Dance in Ottawa. Specializing in street styles, femme choreography, and heels, Ksenia brings a unique energy and creativity to her classes. Her commitment to her students is evident as she fosters an inclusive and inspiring environment for dancers of all levels. Ksenia loves her profession and is dedicated to continuous growth and development in her craft. She believes that dance is not just a form of expression but also a powerful tool for building confidence and community among dancers. With her extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, Ksenia continues to make a significant impact in the dance world.
MEGAN AND VALENTINA OF SALSA ATTITUDE
Megan Lapointe and Valentina Diaz, co-founders of Volendi, bring together a wealth of experience and passion to their project centered on creativity, well-being, and leadership. Megan’s background in jazz, contemporary, and urban dance, combined with her incorporation of Latin and heels techniques, complements Valentina’s expertise in ballet, ballroom, and bachata, rooted in her Colombian heritage. Together, they aim to elevate dancers through a holistic approach that fosters confidence and growth, creating a nurturing environment where dancers can develop their artistry and stay connected to their roots.
MONTREAL TWERK
Gabriela discovered twerk in 2016 and fell in love with the dance style right away! She founded her company Montreal Twerk shortly after and has since been sharing her passion with women all over Montreal. Her mission was to create a safe space and a judgment-free environment for women to connect with their bodies and explore their femininity! Her classes are an awesome mix between dancing and fitness, that will make you work out your whole body and particularly your legs and core. You will learn to move your hips and enjoy yourself to the sound of different music styles, such as hip hop, rap, dancehall, reggaeton and more.
HANNAH COCHRANE
She is a dancer and choreographer from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She spent her childhood learning jazz, contemporary, and musical theater at various competitive dance studios in Nova Scotia. She began choreographing for children’s competitive teams as a teenager and has been an enthusiastic teacher ever since. In 2019 she joined House of Eights Dance Studio’s training program, quickly fell in love with heels dancing, and in 2021 became a faculty member teaching adult heels lessons and group stage performances. Hanna has spent recent years training in heels, teaching others how to love dancing in heels, and learning how to help everyone feel like the best version of themselves.
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